Downpatrick & St. Patrick’s Heritage

Your Downpatrick Itinerary

This day trip guides you through cathedrals, exhibitions, and ancient ruins that reveal the depth of St. Patrick’s legacy. With your guide’s insight, each stop connects Ireland’s sacred history to the landscapes and traditions still alive today.

Scenic Drive: Rolling Hills of County Down

Leaving Belfast, your driver-guide takes you through a gentle landscape of green pastures and winding country lanes. 

This is the land where St. Patrick began his mission to spread Christianity, and as you travel south, your guide will share the legends of Patrick’s arrival, his sermons, and the lasting impact he left on Ireland.

Expertly chauffeured around Belfast Our driver Jerry was exceptional from the moment he picked us up! He was professional, very knowledgeable about everywhere we traveled and accommodating throughout our entire trip. He was very family-friendly and very understanding of our autistic son and our needs. He was a very special part of our trip and we are grateful for his time and attention. I would recommend this company and Jerry to anyone who is visiting Ireland!

Andiamo ★★★★★​

Down Cathedral & St. Patrick’s Grave

Your first stop is Down Cathedral, standing proudly on the hill above the town. Within its quiet churchyard lies the grave of St. Patrick, marked by a simple granite stone that draws pilgrims from across the world.

Step inside the Cathedral itself, with its elegant Gothic architecture and serene atmosphere, while your guide shares the story of Patrick’s final days and the traditions that have grown around his resting place.

St. Patrick Center: Stories & Legacy

Next, explore the St. Patrick Center, a modern and engaging exhibition dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint. 

Interactive displays and multimedia presentations trace Patrick’s journey from Roman Britain to his mission in Ireland, blending history with legend.

Your guide will highlight the myths and miracles often attributed to Patrick, including the famous tale of him driving snakes from Ireland, and explain how his legacy continues to shape Ireland’s culture and identity today.

Inch Abbey

Your driver will then bring you to the evocative ruins of Inch Abbey, a 12th-century monastery on the banks of the River Quoile. 

Here, monks once lived lives of devotion and scholarship, and it’s said that the story of St. Patrick banishing snakes was first penned within these walls.

Rosemary gave us an all-day Giant’s Causeway tour of the coast of Northern Ireland starting in Belfast. We were in Europe for nearly five months and took several tours like this during our stay. This tour was by far the best, and Rosemary was by far the best guide we had. She was very friendly and informative and went out of her way to accommodate us (e.g. our numerous requests to stop for photo ops!). We not only saw the Giant’s Causeway but so many other things on this beautiful tour such as the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, Carrickfergus Castle, Larne, Antrim Coast, Glenarm Castle, Ballycastle, Ballintoy, Bushmill’s Distillery, Torr Head, Carrick-A-Rede Island, and Rope Bridge, Portrush Golf Club. We had lunch at the Red Door Cottage Restaurant, excellent food, and a charming atmosphere. This tour is one of those experiences that we will cherish for the rest of our lives, and we are grateful to have had a guide like Rosemary as well as a very comfortable Mercedes in which to enjoy the drive. We highly recommend!

Jeff T ★★★★★​

Return to Belfast

As your driver takes you back to Belfast, the stories of Patrick, the man, the myth, and the saint, linger in your thoughts. 

Optional Extras for Your St Patrick’s Day Trip

• Guided walking tour of medieval Downpatrick town
• Visit Castle Ward, a Georgian estate with historic ties to the area
• Private lunch arranged at a traditional country inn